Yet it depressed him to see Mr.
Austin who, good man, was obviously unfit for the leadership of an army, about to enter upon a desperate war against great odds.
When Ned was excused, and left the tent he found that Smith, Karnes and the rest of their force had come up.

The camp which was more like that of hunters than of an army, was in joyous mood.

Several buffaloes had been killed on the plains and the men had brought them in, quartered.
Now they were cooking the meat over great fires, scattered about the groves.

The younger spirits were in boisterous mood.

Several groups were singing, and others were dancing the breakdowns of the border.
Ned and Obed were joined by the Ring Tailed Panther and then by Urrea.
Ned felt the high spirits of the young Texans, but he did not join in the singing and dancing.